Film study: Viktor Gyökeres

Arsenal are linked to Sporting's high-scoring Swede. Is he worth his release clause?

The Ornacle has spoken, and he hath said:

Arsenal could look this summer to bolster its attack by signing a new number 9 this summer, with options including Victor Osimhen, Evan Ferguson, Benjamin Šeško and our subject today, Viktor Gyökeres.

Of course, we’ve already studied those first two names in detail. Šeško is on the to do list. But what about Gyökeres? Should Arsenal target Sporting’s high-flying striker? Let’s jump right in.

The background

Gyökeres came up through Swedish club Brommapojkarna, where he debuted in 2015. He racked up 20 goals in 56 senior matches in Sweden, and eventually caught the eye of Brighton, who signed him for less than £1m in 2018.

Gyökeres never made a PL appearance for Brighton but did play in a handful of cup games. He instead spent most of his time while owned by the club on loan to FC St. Pauli, Swansea City and eventually Coventry City, who in 2021 signed him permanently.

Coventry became the longest stop to date of Gyökeres’ career. He made 91 appearances there and scored 38 goals. You can see his chart here:

Although he was one of the top performing 9s in the Championship in that stretch, his big move was to the Primeira Liga and not the Premier League, and since joining Sporting, Gyökeres has definitely seen his hype train really start moving.

As you can see, big increases in pretty much everything here. It’s definitely also worth noting he’s way out in front of his xG, with finishing numbers well above anything he’s ever posted.

Alright, those are the stats. Let’s get into the tape, shall we?